Group E Preview (Nov. 24-25)
Debrecen vs Liverpool
The day of reckoning is nigh for Liverpool and manger Rafa Benitez. With their draw in the last matchday against Lyon qualification for the Round of 16 is now out of their hands.
Benitez remains bullish though, looking yet again to the club’s recent history in the competition.
The Anfield chief explained: “We have produced miracles before; we can do the same again.
“It will be difficult, maybe another miracle. But all we can do is our job.
“If we can then play against Fiorentina with options of winning and qualifying next week, that will be fantastic. Hopefully we can do it.
“Last time in this position we managed to qualify and it was amazing. It will be the same if we do it again.
“We had to win our last three games two years ago in the group stages, now it is only two. We achieved success in a great way, scoring four against Porto, eight against Besiktas and four in Marseille.
“That was magnificent. This time if we go through it will be just the same feeling.”
If Fiorentina beat Lyon it will be a non issue but the Spaniard’s hope is that the French side does the Reds a favour. Liverpool will have to play without Torres and Babel due to injury.
The Hungarian side are keen to put an end to Liverpool’s miracle dreams by stealing a point Tuesday evening.
“This game is easy for Liverpool. They have to win, nothing else will do.” Debrecen coach, Andras Herczeg told the media today.
“We intend making their task as difficult as possible, but whether that is good enough we will only know after the match.”
Player to watch:
While I do not believe the Reds will be able to manage a miracle this time it will not be for lack of trying. Steven Gerrard will inspire his side in only his second match this month. He may even score tomorrow. But will it be enough?
Match Prediction:
It is the end of the line for Liverpool. A leaky backline coupled with a woeful scoring record without Torres will see Rafa’s side exit the tournament. The Hungarians can score as they proved against Fiorentina and will prove too tough to handle. I predict a 1-1 draw.
Liverpool could still win some silverware this season in the Europa Cup but we will have to wait and see.
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Lyon vs Fiorentina
The most interesting thing to watch in this match is how Lyon approaches the game. They have already qualified and may (or may not choose) to start a weakened eleven. Do they make it easy for the Italians to win, thereby knocking Liverpool out of the competition?
Regardless of the answer Fiorentina still have the ability to beat a full strength Lyon side. Lyon has come off two successive draws in Ligue 1 including a 5-5 stunner against Marseille. Fiorentina lost this weekend against Parma who are a shock, sixth place in Serie A.
Player to watch:
There are a number of players on both sides that could step up and control the match. Gilardino is one of the most likely candidates and my favourite. The Italian has been scoring consistently for club and country. With Mutu out injured he must carry the striking duties.
Match Prediction:
Even if my prediction about the Liverpool match proves incorrect I think the Viola will shatter any hopes the Reds have with a win at home against Lyon. I predict a 2-1 win for Fiorentina.
Play Beautiful!
